What is Tongue Thrust?

In the past, treatment for tongue thrust focused on blocking the tongue’s movement during swallowing. These ‘habit appliances’ (cribs, rakes, spikes) made eating and speaking difficult, and prevented correct positioning of the orofacial muscles while at rest. It was believed that tongue thrust was the cause of crooked teeth or other malocclusion, but we know that it is one of many symptoms of a greater orofacial muscle issue.

Now, treatment for Orofacial Myofunctional Disorder is a collaborative process that involves behavioral retraining, neuromuscular exercises, and speech pathology therapy. Our therapists can help identify open bite/overjet, breathing obstructions, tongue ties, and other barriers from achieving correct Oral Rest Posture. Treatment in children also includes eliminating bad oral habits in children such as prolonged thumb or pacifier sucking, and bottle use.

The Silverstrom Group offers tongue thrust and Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy, focusing on Proper Oral Rest Posture. This is vital to the healthy growth and development of teeth and airways, and to rehabilitating tongue thrust and the larger, underlying issue of Orofacial Myofunctional Disorder.